AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume III, 1 October 1900, Page 82

AUSTRALIA.

The proclaimed intention of fcho Duke aud Duchess of York to be present at the opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, and thus give due dignity to the christening of a consolidated nation, will be an additional opportunity for our friends across the water to display more of that loyalty for which this visit is a fitting reward. The opportunity of welcoming members of the Royal Family to Australasian shores is another of those small mercies for which we have to thank that much-detested man, Paul Kruger, in that he gave us the chance of showing the stuff we were made of, and the assistance we could be to our Mother Country.

In the death of the Hon. Sir Saul Samuel, K.C.M.G., which occurred last month, Australia has lost a man notable both in his political and commercial careers. Although not Australian born, Sir Samuel was, to all intents and purposes, an Australian. He landed in Sydney, a lad of twelve, in the early thirties, and was educated at the College there. A few years' experience of squatting satisfied him that it was not his forte, and he turned his hand to mining and industrial pursuits. His first political experience was as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1854. He afterwards held various responsible offices, he was Colonial Secretary and Postmaster - General on several different occasions. During the Parkes Government he was Vice-President of the Executive Council. His acknowledged administrative ability caused him to be chosen as one of the delegation sent to England and America, in 1875, to make arrangements for the San Francisco Mail Service. The Hon. Thos. Russell represented New Zealand on this occasion. In 1880 he returned to England as Agent- General for New South Wales, and did many years' good service in that capacity for the land he loved.